Physical Sciences

Overview

Completing the Associate in Science Degree (A.S.) with a Physical Sciences concentration is an excellent way to provide the foundational work needed to complete a baccalaureate degree and go on to post-graduate work to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in astronomy, physics, geology, or meteorology.

The Physical Sciences concentration is designed to provide the knowledge and skills that form the foundation necessary for the completion of a baccalaureate degree program in Physical Sciences. The Physical Sciences concentration provides students with experience in scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills. Students will gain familiarity with major concepts in astronomy, chemistry, physics, and geography. The curriculum includes classroom lectures of fundamental scientific principles and methodology along with laboratory practice using scientific tools and procedures to develop the basic skills and knowledge required for the process of scientific experimentation.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(14 Credit Hours)
COL-101 College Orientation

College Orientation

ID: COL-101

Credit Hours: 1

This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

1
CPT-101 Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

ID: CPT-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system.

3
MAT-110 College Algebra

College Algebra

ID: MAT-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; determinants; simple linear programming; solutions of higher degree polynomials; combinatorial algebra, including the binomial theorem; and introduction to probability.

3
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
GEO-205 Physical Geography

Physical Geography

ID: GEO-205

Credit Hours: 4

This course introduces the basic principles and methods of physical geography and applies them to the study of the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

4
Semester 2
(16 Credit Hours)
ENG-102 English Comp II

English Comp II

ID: ENG-102

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

3
MAT-111 College Trigonometry

College Trigonometry

ID: MAT-111

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: circular functions; trigonometric identities; solution of right and oblique triangles; solution of trigonometric equations; polar coordinates; complex numbers, including DeMoivre's Theorem; vectors; conic sections; sequences; and series. (Graphic calculator required)

3
CHM-110 College Chemistry I

College Chemistry I

ID: CHM-110

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first course in a sequence that includes the following topics: atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature and equations, properties, reactions and states of matter, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, and equilibria.

4
SPC-205 Public Speaking

Public Speaking

ID: SPC-205

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English.

3
PSY-201 General Psychology

General Psychology

ID: PSY-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

3
Semester 3
(15 Credit Hours)
MUS-105 Music Appreciation

Music Appreciation

ID: MUS-105

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to the study of music with focus on the elements of music and their relationships, the musical characteristics of representative works and composers, common musical forms and genres of various western and non-western historical style periods, and appropriate listening experiences.

3
MAT-140 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

ID: MAT-140

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes the following topics: derivatives and integrals of polynomials; rational, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric,and inverse trigonometric functions; curve sketching; maxima and minima of functions; related rates; work; and analytic geometry. (Graphic calculator required)

4
PHY-221 University Physics I

University Physics I

ID: PHY-221

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first of a sequence of courses. The course includes a calculus based treatment of the following topics: vectors, laws of motion, rotation, vibratory, and wave motion.

4
AST-101 Solar System Astronomy

Solar System Astronomy

ID: AST-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a descriptive survey of the universe with emphasis on basic physical concepts and the objects in the solar system. Related topics of current interest are included in the course.

4
Semester 4
(17 Credit Hours)
PHY-222 University Physics II

University Physics II

ID: PHY-222

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a continuation of calculus based treatment of the following topics: thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, electricity and magnetism, including electrostatics, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and induction phenomena.

4
PHI-115 Contemporary Moral Issues

Contemporary Moral Issues

ID: PHI-115

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines moral issues in contemporary society, including basic principles and applications of ethics.

3
CPT-236 Introduction to Java Programming

Introduction to Java Programming

ID: CPT-236

Credit Hours: 3

Topics will cover java syntax and classes for use in the development of java application and applets.

3
AST-102 Stellar Astronomy

Stellar Astronomy

ID: AST-102

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a descriptive survey of the universe with emphasis on basic physical concepts and galactic and extra-galactic objects. Related topics of current interest are included in the course.

4
HIS-101 Western Civilization to 1689

Western Civilization to 1689

ID: HIS-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of western civilization from ancient times to 1689, including the major political, social, economic, and intellectual factors shaping western cultural tradition.

3
  Total Credit Hours 62
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$11,656.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(7 Credit Hours)
COL-101 College Orientation

College Orientation

ID: COL-101

Credit Hours: 1

This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

1
CPT-101 Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

ID: CPT-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system.

3
MAT-110 College Algebra

College Algebra

ID: MAT-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; determinants; simple linear programming; solutions of higher degree polynomials; combinatorial algebra, including the binomial theorem; and introduction to probability.

3
Semester 2
(7 Credit Hours)
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
GEO-205 Physical Geography

Physical Geography

ID: GEO-205

Credit Hours: 4

This course introduces the basic principles and methods of physical geography and applies them to the study of the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

4
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
ENG-102 English Comp II

English Comp II

ID: ENG-102

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

3
MAT-111 College Trigonometry

College Trigonometry

ID: MAT-111

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: circular functions; trigonometric identities; solution of right and oblique triangles; solution of trigonometric equations; polar coordinates; complex numbers, including DeMoivre's Theorem; vectors; conic sections; sequences; and series. (Graphic calculator required)

3
Semester 4
(10 Credit Hours)
CHM-110 College Chemistry I

College Chemistry I

ID: CHM-110

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first course in a sequence that includes the following topics: atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature and equations, properties, reactions and states of matter, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, and equilibria.

4
SPC-205 Public Speaking

Public Speaking

ID: SPC-205

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English.

3
PSY-201 General Psychology

General Psychology

ID: PSY-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

3
Semester 5
(7 Credit Hours)
MUS-105 Music Appreciation

Music Appreciation

ID: MUS-105

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to the study of music with focus on the elements of music and their relationships, the musical characteristics of representative works and composers, common musical forms and genres of various western and non-western historical style periods, and appropriate listening experiences.

3
MAT-140 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

ID: MAT-140

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes the following topics: derivatives and integrals of polynomials; rational, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric,and inverse trigonometric functions; curve sketching; maxima and minima of functions; related rates; work; and analytic geometry. (Graphic calculator required)

4
Semester 6
(8 Credit Hours)
PHY-221 University Physics I

University Physics I

ID: PHY-221

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first of a sequence of courses. The course includes a calculus based treatment of the following topics: vectors, laws of motion, rotation, vibratory, and wave motion.

4
AST-101 Solar System Astronomy

Solar System Astronomy

ID: AST-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a descriptive survey of the universe with emphasis on basic physical concepts and the objects in the solar system. Related topics of current interest are included in the course.

4
Semester 7
(7 Credit Hours)
PHY-222 University Physics II

University Physics II

ID: PHY-222

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a continuation of calculus based treatment of the following topics: thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, electricity and magnetism, including electrostatics, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and induction phenomena.

4
PHI-115 Contemporary Moral Issues

Contemporary Moral Issues

ID: PHI-115

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines moral issues in contemporary society, including basic principles and applications of ethics.

3
Semester 8
(10 Credit Hours)
CPT-236 Introduction to Java Programming

Introduction to Java Programming

ID: CPT-236

Credit Hours: 3

Topics will cover java syntax and classes for use in the development of java application and applets.

3
AST-102 Stellar Astronomy

Stellar Astronomy

ID: AST-102

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a descriptive survey of the universe with emphasis on basic physical concepts and galactic and extra-galactic objects. Related topics of current interest are included in the course.

4
HIS-101 Western Civilization to 1689

Western Civilization to 1689

ID: HIS-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of western civilization from ancient times to 1689, including the major political, social, economic, and intellectual factors shaping western cultural tradition.

3
  Total Credit Hours 62
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$11,656.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Physical Sciences Educator

Physical Sciences educators are passionate about the earth, space, and all their components and physical processes. A bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences will prepare you for a potential career as a science teacher, physicist, astronomer, geologist, or meteorologist, among others. A master’s degree or higher may be required for certain positions.

Projected Job Growth

+6.8%

Average Annual Salary

$58,653
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • County School Districts
  • Colleges and Universities

Careers

Physicist

Physicists use the scientific method and critical thinking skills to understand how things work, particularly the interactions of matter and energy. They are responsible for many of the technological advances we have seen in science and industry, from wireless communications and robots to space exploration. Physicists may work as applied or theoretical scientists. Applied physics includes mechanics, optics, and nuclear physics; theoretical physics develops mathematical models to explain the world around us.

According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Colleges and Universities
  • Research Firms
  • Energy Companies
  • Manufacturing Plants
  • Government Agencies

What’s next after I complete this program?

Earn a bachelor’s degree

Increase your career options and earning power by continuing your education at a four-year college. Much of the coursework from your associate degree from MTC can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at another college or university. 

Earn a master’s degree

Increase your knowledge base to fit specific career ambitions. A master’s degree program allows you to focus on a specific area of specialization.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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